Vacation Homes

How to be a country star

Hit the high notes at home with wicker and wood, styled over time for an uncontrived look

Go country with oil-bronzed lamps, a wicker chair and a wool rug.

Photograph by: Handout photo
, Pottery Barn

Dear Sam,

I love love loved the country vibe that you showed in a recent column and I want it in my condo. I live in a big white box. I keep going the modern and minimal route because I've seen it been done so well by neighbours in my building. I'd like to take your advice and buy country-style things. Will this work if my furniture is modern?

Should I have a certain percentage of modern and country? I'm furnishing my office. Any advice on how I can get a real country feeling? I have no idea where to start.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Alberta

Hi Alberta,

Modern country is the perfect style for anyone who likes clean and simple lines mixed with raw and textured finishes. Accessories with a country vibe will definitely work with your modern furniture.

I wish there was a magic formula like 20% country and 80% modern equals modern country bliss, but those kind of numbers are baloney and subjective. The good news is you don't have to do it all at once. Start slowly by adding rough and rustic pieces, and removing smaller mod side tables and lamps. Countryfying may take a couple of years and that's totally fine - interiors with history and personality are ones that are decorated over time. Be sure to have images and measurements of your furniture when you're shopping to ensure that your new purchases will be in scale with what you have.

When pulling together your office, start with the big pieces. A painted or wood desk will give you a casual country feeling. Glass and chrome are great for those who want the mod-country blend. The wool rug and wicker chair in the photo below from Pottery Barn add texture and warmth, as do the wicker baskets, wood bowls and frames. Nothing says country like oil-rubbed bronze finishes, especially when used on lamps and hardware.

It's the small (and inexpensive) details that really amplify the country vibe.

Speaking of details, check out the redand-white seersucker-striped magazine holder, apothecary glass pencil jars and the door-knob picture-frame hangers. And, we can't overlook the oversized dominos in the windowsill that recall board games played on rainy days at the cottage.

It's all about creating a mood. And this relaxed country style is one that you could easily bring to your big white box. Stay true to your style, and the neighbours will be imitating you!

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